Cancun Shopping

Cancun is a prime shopping destination with malls and markets galore, not to mention all the boutiques inside the city's plethora of hotels. What's nice is that despite the store overload, you can find a diverse selection of artisan products, European goods, fine jewelry, designer clothing, tequila and cigars. Among the stores that grace the multi-level malls: Gucci, Bally, Cartier, Ralph Lauren and Versace, often with prices less expensive than in the U.S. However, don't leave Cancun without bargaining in El Centro's open air markets where you'll find great deals on leather, pewter, pottery, hammocks, baskets, and traditional Mexican clothing items like huaraches (sandals) and huipiles (colorful, embroidered Mayan dresses). Most of the open air markets are on Avenida Tulum in Cancun City as well as in the Hotel Zone. Shopping hours are generally from 9:00 or 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and from 4:30 to 9:00 or 10:00 pm. Most shops are open on Sunday.

Flamingo Plaza

Blvd. Kukulcn, across from the Flamingo Hotel

Beach gear, souvenirs, sportswear and general merchandise highlight the finds at this smallish, high-tech plaza - Flamingo Plaza where you'll also find a host of duty-free items. Its other draw: well-known restaurants like Planet Hollywood, and Pat O' Brien's.

Forum-by-the-Sea

Blvd. Kukulcn; 998-883-4425

Hard Rock Caf and the Rainforest Caf are the two main anchors here, as is an extensive food court. Shops include Tommy Hilfiger, Diesel, Harley Davidson, and Sunglass Island.

Kukulcan Plaza

If you like shopping, you'll love Kukulcan Plaza which boasts more than 300 shops as well as restaurants, movie theaters and a bowling alley. There's also a large indoor parking garage, a food court featuring many U.S. franchise restaurants and a whole designer area known as The Fashion Gallery.

La Isla Shopping Village

This energetic shopping mall is designed like a small village thanks to its charming series of canals, small bridges, and walkways lined with trendy boutiques and restaurants including American favorites like Haagen Daz and Johnny Rockets. There's also a movie theater, video arcade and attractions like a marina and an interactive aquarium.

Ki Huic Market

Avenida Tulum

This open-air market is Cancun's oldest crafts emporium. Souvenir shoppers will find a variety of serapes, blouses, shirts and curios as well as lots of no-frills Mexican eateries.

Plaza Bonita

Located on Av. Xel-ha, next to Mercado 28

This "beautiful plaza" is designed like a typical Mexican village and features some of Cancun's more unique handicraft and fine arts stores.

Plaza La Fiesta

In the Hotel Zone right in front of the convention center.

Here you will find all kinds of silver works, handicrafts, and leather articles, as well as many other items to take home as souvenirs from your trip to Mexico.

Kukulcan Plaza

If you like shopping, you'll love Kukulcan Plaza which boasts more than 300 shops as well as restaurants, movie theaters and a bowling alley. There's also a large indoor parking garage, a food court featuring many U.S. franchise restaurants and a whole designer area known as The Fashion Gallery.

La Isla Shopping Village

This energetic shopping mall is designed like a small village thanks to its charming series of canals, small bridges, and walkways lined with trendy boutiques and restaurants including American favorites like Haagen Daz and Johnny Rockets. There's also a movie theater, video arcade and attractions like a marina and an interactive aquarium.

La Gran Plaza

Ave. Nichupte #S/N

The name says it all: this "grand" plaza is huge and multi-leveled and features 15 movie theaters, a food court, a Wal Mart, and much more.

Mercado 28

Quintana Roo

This is Cancun's biggest flea market and a great place to find inexpensive gifts for the folks back home though be warned: there are lots of stalls and lots of people who will want to bargain with you.

Mercado 23

downtown

Mercado 23 gets high marks for its authenticity and fun. It's not your normal "mall" and so it's fun to explore and get a feeling for a true Cancun market. This is where you can find fresh veggies, flowers, food and souvenirs such as amazing piatas and pottery.

Plaza Caracol

You'll find everything from beachwear to electronics at this large, contemporary mall north of the Convention Center. It houses about 200 shops and boutiques, including popular names like Benetton, Bally, Gucci, and Ralph Lauren.

Plaza Mayfair

Blvd. Kukulcn, Km 8.5

Cancun's first shopping mall in the Hotel Zone features a Mayan/rainforest motif complete with nightly Mayan dance and music shows.